Whether it’s helping your child conquer a bunny slope, feeling the warmth of that first sip of decadent hot chocolate or watching your partner’s eyes sparkle as snowflakes fall from the sky, you’ll find the small moments are the perfect moments in Vail.
Come make special memories with us this winter. And be sure to capture your Insta-worthy Vail moments and share them with us using the hashtag #vailmoment.
Here’s Your Bucket List to Fun Before Ski Season Ends in Mid-April
1. Hit the Slopes, Of Course!
Gear up and shred the slopes like a local! With more than 5,000 acres of powdery terrain, Vail Mountain is Colorado’s premier winter-sport destination — no surprise there. The mountain’s seven Legendary Back Bowls are ideal for intermediate to experienced skiers while the Avanti and Bwana parks await with pipes, boxes and pro-style rails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Need some gear? Scattered around Vail’s villages, you’ll find numerous local businesses that have ski and snowboard rentals — several also offer lessons for first-timers.
- Browse slopeside accommodations in Vail
- Plan your snowboarding trip to Vail Mountain
- Master the mountain with a ski or snowboard lesson
2. Discover New Snowy Adventures
Along with downhill skiing and snowboarding, Vail is teeming with wintery escapades perfect for outdoorsy explorers. Fido fans can zoom along snow-laden trails on a dog-sledding excursion. Thrill-seekers should hop aboard a snowmobile to speed across the pine-peppered backcountry or defy gravity with the ice-climbing guides at Apex Mountain School. Are you a hiker during summer and fall? You’re sure to love snowshoeing — choose from half- or full-day tours for all levels. Or opt for a peaceful glide through tree-lined landscape with a local cross-country skiing guide.
- Learn about winter ice fishing in Vail
- Go with a backcountry guide and get safety tips
- Find more things to do in Vail outside
- Find Vail Mountain’s most up-to-date ski-season information
3. Experience Après-Ski Happy Hour
With live music, fireside chats, gourmet coffee and, of course, adult-friendly libations, the après-ski culture in Vail is like no other. For those unfamiliar with the term, après-ski is French for “after skiing” and traditionally kicks off in the late afternoon. Snag a toasty cup of hot chocolate or a scoop of homemade gelato at Rimini Gelato & Chocolate. Savor authentic Bavarian flavors at Pepi’s. Get a lil’ après chic at The Gambit Bar, known for its posh ambiance and creative craft cocktails.
4. Celebrate the Holidays
Prepare to be enchanted this holiday season at Vail Après. This two-month-long event series includes everything from weekly silent discos and ice-skating exhibitions to the Vail Village and Lionshead Village tree-lighting ceremonies, the highly anticipated Kris Kringle Market — where you can find a locally made gift for everyone on your list — and the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks, the town’s iconic New Year’s Eve party.
- Find more ways to enjoy Christmas and the holidays in Vail
- Mark your calendar for signature Vail events this winter
5. Cozy Up With Hygge Food Experiences
Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is the Scandinavian concept of coziness, which encourages conviviality to create meaningful moments with friends and family. In Vail, there are many opportunities to gather with loved ones, especially around the table. The intimate nooks, warm dishes and alpine-inspired vibes at Alpenrose and Almresi are what hygge dreams are made of while the quintessential diner atmosphere and breakfast classics at The Little Diner delight with a taste of nostalgia in every bite.
6. Warm Up & Unwind at the Spa
After you’ve tired yourself out on the slopes, uncover moments of relaxation and recovery with only-in-Vail spa experiences. Soothe your sore muscles with the Magnesium Wellness Massage at The Spa at Gravity Haus Vail. Let the High-Altitude Adjustment Massage at The Sebastian Vail’s Bloom Spa recharge your energy levels with a foot soak, oxygen therapy and full-body treatment. Or, alleviate tension and reduce inflammation with the Recovery Lab’s Localized Cryo Treatment.
- Add these Colorado spas to your itinerary
- Where to practice yoga and meditation in Vail
- Find more Vail wellness offerings
7. Sip Your Way Around the Villages
As the temperature drops, Vail’s nightlife heats up. Knock back a pint or two of hoppy IPAs and smooth pale ales at Vail Brewing Company. Travel back in time to the Prohibition Era at Bad Kitty Lounge, an off-the-beaten-path speakeasy known for expertly-crafted cocktails, or pop into the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits tasting room for a sampling of barrel-aged bourbon, silky potato vodka and crisp, clean Colorado moonshine.
After some casual sippin’, it’s time to explore Vail Village. Dance the night away at Bridge Street Bar or catch live local jams at Shakedown Bar. Then, stroll over to The George, an unexpected late-night favorite at Mountain House Lodge before winding down with a nightcap at Vendetta’s for a slice of pizza that’ll hit you just right.
8. Take a Scenic Gondola Ride
Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, you can still take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Vail Mountain for the views. Eagle Bahn Gondola and Gondola One both sweep you above snow-covered peaks and across the valley for undisturbed views of the Rocky Mountains. At the top, get off for a mountainside picnic at Mid-Vail and Eagle’s Nest, serving hot chocolate, snacks and lunch all season long.
While you won’t technically be on the slopes, you’ll still want to dress for the elements by wearing insulated base layers and waterproof outer layers to keep you warm and dry. Fluffy winter hats, protective gloves, sunglasses and sturdy winter boots are also encouraged.
9. Get a Taste of Vail
Before ski season ends, head up to the mountains for Taste of Vail. Every April, renowned chefs and sommeliers flock to this fest where globally inspired cuisine and fine wine take center stage in four signature events.
Stroll, sip and sample delights from chefs and wineries from across the country in the heart of Vail Village at Après Tasting on the Streets of Vail. Explore a robust collection of rosé varietals and bites from local restaurants at the Debut of Rosé. Make your way to the base of Vail Mountain for Mountaintop Tasting, where dozens of world-class wineries share their favorite blends. Attend the festival’s pinnacle event — Best of the Best Grand Tasting — for an evening of unusual and unexpected vinos paired with opulent chef-driven dishes.
While in Vail, foodies should also plan to visit some of the town’s MICHELIN-recommended restaurants: Osaki’s and Sweet Basil.
10. Browse Local Art
Colorado’s diverse and colorful landscapes have beckoned artists for decades, many of which have made their home in Vail. The town now boasts a thriving arts scene, with swanky galleries and public art displays lining the streets of Vail and Lionshead villages. Marvel at John Richter’s nature and wildlife photography at his mountainside gallery. Browse breathtaking jewelry crafted with fossils, meteorites and collectible minerals at Lionshead Jewelers. Take a self-guided mural tour and see how Coloradan painters and graffiti artists have transformed the town with insightful (and sometimes quirky) creations.